The Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP), has condemned the attack on a journalist by Peoples Democratic chieftain, Femi Fani-Kayode.
In a video of a press conference, Fani-Kayode was seen calling the Daily Trust journalist “stupid”, threatening to hit him hard next time.
The visibly angry former minister of aviation also threatened to report the journalist to his publisher.
SERAP, in a tweet, noted that no one should call any journalist “stupid” for doing their job.
It said the media has a crucial role to play as public watchdog.
The group asked Fani-Kayode to publicly apologise to the journalist.
“We condemn reported intimidation, harassment and attack on @daily_trust journalist by a former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode. Mr Fani-Kayode should publicly apologise to the journalist,” SERAP said.
“No one should ever call any journalist “stupid” simply for doing their job.
“Journalistic freedom also covers possible recourse to a degree of exaggeration, or even provocation. The media has a vital role to play as ‘public watchdog’ in imparting information of serious public concern and should not be inhibited or intimidated from playing that role.”
